Mirghani HO, Alrasheed T. Type 2 diabetes among Sudanese youth: Rate, pattern of prescription, comorbidities, and clinical inertia. World J Clin Cases 2026; 14(24): 122953 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.122953]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Hyder Osman Mirghani, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Prince Fahd Bin Sulta, Tabuk 51941, Saudi Arabia. s.hyder63@hotmail.com
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Endocrinology & Metabolism
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research-article
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Mirghani HO, Alrasheed T. Type 2 diabetes among Sudanese youth: Rate, pattern of prescription, comorbidities, and clinical inertia. World J Clin Cases 2026; 14(24): 122953 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.122953]
World J Clin Cases. Aug 26, 2026; 14(24): 122953 Published online Aug 26, 2026. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.122953
Type 2 diabetes among Sudanese youth: Rate, pattern of prescription, comorbidities, and clinical inertia
Hyder Osman Mirghani, Tariq Alrasheed
Hyder Osman Mirghani, Tariq Alrasheed, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 51941, Saudi Arabia
Author contributions: Mirghani HO conceived and designed the study, drafted and made critical revisions to the manuscript, and provided final approval of the version to be published; Alrasheed T drafted and made critical revisions to the manuscript, and provided final approval of the version to be published.
AI contribution statement: We did not use any form of artificial intelligence during the drafting, revision, and revision of this manuscript.
Institutional review board statement: The ethical committee of Elnour Polyclinic ethical committee approved the research (Ref. No. R. 2022. 2, dated, July 19, 2022).
Informed consent statement: The study was conducted between July and August 2022 in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants provided written informed consent before enrollment. Participant confidentiality and privacy were maintained throughout the study. Data collection was performed by trained investigators, including the second author, who conducted all interviews and anthropometric measurements using standardized procedures. The consent for treatment is not applicable (exempted).
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose.
STROBE statement: The authors have read the STROBE Statement-checklist of items, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the STROBE Statement-checklist of items.
Data sharing statement: We agree all the data sharing procedures.
Corresponding author: Hyder Osman Mirghani, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Prince Fahd Bin Sulta, Tabuk 51941, Saudi Arabia. s.hyder63@hotmail.com
Received: May 7, 2026 Revised: June 22, 2026 Accepted: August 5, 2026 Published online: August 26, 2026 Processing time: 109 Days and 6.8 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Type 2 diabetes among patients < 40 years is on the rise globally. These patients are prone to rapid β-cell loss, poor glycemic control, metabolic syndrome, and mortality. Few researchers have assessed young-onset type 2 diabetes, the pattern of prescription, and associated cardiovascular risks.
AIM
To assess this in the state of Khartoum, Sudan.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 type 2 diabetic patients attending two randomly selected Polyclinics in Omdurman, Sudan during July and August 2022. A structured questionnaire including age, gender, and duration of diabetes, prescribed medications, body mass index, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was used.
RESULTS
Out of 240 patients with type 2 diabetes 24.6% of all enrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were young-onset cases (aged < 40 years), age, 55.24 ± 10.57, their body mass index (BMI) was 30.09 ± 4.65, the duration of diabetes was10.64 ± 8.23, and HbA1c was 9.37 ± 2.49, 68.3% were on metformin, 53.3% were on sulphonylureas, 49.2% were on insulin, and 10.8% were on pioglitazone. In addition, 50% of the participants were on lipid-lowering medications, and 56.7% on antihypertensive drugs. Interestingly, 57.9% were suffering from dyslipidemia, while only 50% received lipid-lowering medications. Age, HbA1c, and BMI were not significant predictors of diabetes in the young in this model.
CONCLUSION
One in four Sudanese patients were young with poor glycemic control polypharmacy was observed. Antidiabetic medication prescriptions were irrational with high sulphonylureas and pioglitazone, and no prescription of drugs with cardiorenal protection. Two diabetes patients should take the benefit of cardiorenal protective diabetes medications. Furthermore, larger multicenter studies investigating the barriers to good diabetes holistic care are recommended.
Core Tip: Type 2 diabetes among Sudanese youth reflects a growing crisis in low-income and conflict-affected settings, where fragile health systems, limited access to medications, and disrupted care amplify poor outcomes. High rates of comorbidities and clinical inertia highlight gaps in early diagnosis and treatment intensification. Strengthening primary care, ensuring drug availability, integrating mobile health, and prioritizing youth-focused prevention are essential to curb disease progression and reduce long-term complications in these vulnerable populations.
